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If I am using a longer piece of antler that would actually become the shank, is it ok for the smoke pass directly through the draft hole or does it need to pass through something else (i.e. stainless steel, delrin sleeve)?

Brandon

I can't address safety concerns (of which I have none, I smoke unlined antler frequently), but if you don't line it it wil turn brown like meerschaum.

I wouldn't use antler for the airway. It tastes terrible. I would be afraid it would impart that taste on the smoke. I use antler a fair amount but I never let it be in contact with the smoke.

EDIT: I would also be concerned about splitting due to moisture changes.

Solved it. I turned a delrin sleeve that runs the length of the airway.